In July 1942-not even a month after the first Japanese landings-Siquijor’s first guerrilla band was organized, led by Lt. Iluminado Jumawan and comprised of military personnel and disgruntled civilians. Their first act of resistance was the assassination of Shunzo Suzuki (see Japanese Landings) on 9 October 1942.

 

In the subsequent months, Cpt. Benito Cunanan, a retired Philippine Scout, found his way from Davao to Cebu after American forces in Mindanao were made to surrender. The Americans first contacted him prior to the Japanese military’s arrival in June through Cpt. Luis Morgan, Chief of Staff to Wendell Fertig, Commanding Officer for the 10th Military District in Mindanao. Fertig was trying to expand his influence in the Visayas. Morgan prematurely appointed Cunanan commander of the 8th Military District, comprised of Cebu and Bohol, without Fertig’s permission. After a brief misunderstanding between the three men, Cunanan traveled to Siquijor.

 

There, Jumawan had already established himself as the resistance leader. However, Cunanan outranked him and quickly assumed command, becoming a Major not long after. In October 1942, the guerrilla 75th Infantry Regiment formed in Negros Oriental, and Cunanan’s unit became its 4th Provisional Battalion.

 

Below is Siquijor’s guerrilla leadership in 1942: